The Ngqoko Cultural Group

The Ngqoko Cultural Group is a body of men and women (6 women and 1 man) committed to the indigenous music, songs and traditions of the rural Xhosa communities. Hailing from the humble town of Lady Frere, the Cultural Group was first formed in 1980 when a single bow player and her daughter maintained the practice of playing music together. A German visitor, Dawie Dargie, began working with the Xhosa musicians with the help of Tsolwana Mpayipheli as translator. In 1983, Mpayipheli (“Teacher” as he is respectfully known) discovered several other musicians who joined the group. Over the years, they have become well- known in South Africa, and are also regularly invited to perform internationally.